What’s the best way to quit smoking

Organization: Health Canada

Date published: 2023

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

• Delivers nicotine to your body in small amounts
• Can help you control cravings
• Long-acting form – nicotine patch
• Short-acting forms – nicotine gum, inhaler, spray, and lozenge

Prescription medications

• Varenicline and Bupropion
• Contain no nicotine
• Can help control cravings and withdrawal symptoms^{Footnote 1}

Counselling

• One-on-one, confidential support
• Quit coaches can help you develop a structured quit plan and answer your questions about quitting

Cytisine

• Non-prescription natural health product that mimics the effects of nicotine on the body
• Available online and in certain stores and pharmacies^{Footnote 4}

Improve your chances by combining quit aids and supports

Varenicline medication + Counselling^{Footnote 2} or Long-acting NRT + Short-acting NRT^{Footnote 2}
=
Nearly 3X chance of successfully quitting

Single form of NRT only^{Footnote 2} or Bupropion medication only^{Footnote 2} or Counselling only^{Footnote 3}
=
Almost 2X chance of successfully quitting

TIP: Don't know what to try? Speak with a healthcare provider or a quit coach about which quit aids and available supports are right for you at gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit or toll-free at 1-866-366-3667.